Wiley’s Well and one very angry chihuahua!

Sunday, November 29

“The sun is shining. No wind. We need to go somewhere. I’m tired of being cooped up inside.”

Bridget and Reggie agree.

They rush out of the Best Little Trailer and wait with tails wagging at the side door of the Perfect Tow Vehicle.

We’re into the second week of our camp at Midland LTVA, northwest of Blythe, California.

Our permit expires on Tuesday, December 1st. We can buy another two-week permit and stay at Midland or use that permit at another LTVA location or go outside the LTVA boundary to camp. I haven’t decided what we will do. I want to check out Wiley’s Well.

Wiley’s Well is a campground within the Long Term Visitor Area boundary.

The same fee system applies ($180 for 7 months, Sept. 15 – Apr. 15, or 14 days for $40).

To go to Wiley’s Well from our camp at Midland, one drives into Blythe, boards Interstate 10 west and about 15 miles later takes the exit for the prison. The prison is 3 miles south of the interstate and Wiley’s Well is 6 miles further.

The pavement ends at the turn for the prison. The sandy road to the campground is presently in washboard condition.

I park in the day use area of Wiley’s Well and let out the crew.

We walk both campground loops, Reggie on this tether and Bridget on a short leash.

(Bridget likes to walk alongside me and leashes are required in the campground.) Of course, this being a campground, the sites are defined and numbered. The songs of birds emanate from the many palo verde trees.

Campsite at Wiley’s Well as seen from the site’s parking pad

Most of the 15 sites are occupied. People are outside on this bright and sunny morning which inhibits my photo-taking.

I meet the congenial camp host.

This is her first workamping position.

“Is that washboard road the way you go to Blythe from here?”

“Yes, that’s it. When we came in here six weeks ago it was smooth. We went for groceries the other day and I couldn’t believe how much it had changed.”

“You drive 25 miles one way for groceries?”

“Yeah. We go once a week.” She adds, “There’s a dump station up the road, we have trash pick-up and water, but it’s not for drinking.”

The Bradshaw Trail goes through the Mule Mountains to the east (from Blythe).

One of the draws to this area is the variety of rocks to be discovered.

Bridget and Reggie have a grand time as we check out Wiley’s Well Campground.

We like it at Midland LTVA. However, the variety of walking experiences is limited. This little outing is a welcome change for the crew.

The road around the campground loops, being broken pavement, dirt and gravel, doesn’t allow the use of Bridget’s car. We take it slow and she enjoys the walk, but by the time we return to the PTV, she’s had enough.

After the three of us refresh ourselves with a drink of water (from our own supply!), we board the PTV and head back to Blythe.

I wouldn’t like this long drive for groceries . . . .

The PTV sweeps us down the exit ramp onto Lovekin Boulevard.

As we approach Carl’s Jr, my inner voice speaks. “You are hungry. You could eat like you mean it. All you have to do is . . . .”

“Okay! Okay I’m going in!” I pull into Carl’s Jr. and park in the drive-through lane.

There are three cars ahead of us.

The parking lot is jammed. More Carl’s Jr. customers park in the overflow lot and walk across the drive-through lane. It’s like the first day of state fair with people from all points converging on the entrance.

I bring down the windows and we wait.

We have a long wait before we can place our order and a long wait for it to be prepared. Bridget sits quietly on the bench seat. Reggie whimpers and whines in the passenger seat.

“It won’t be long. Hang on. You’ll get your burger.”

At long last the take-out window opens and the woman apologizes for the delay. She informs me that they’ve run out of enchilada sauce and suggests I substitute a chicken burrito with avocado and salsa.

“Sounds great!” I’d accept a PB & J on stale bread at this point. I didn’t really want enchiladas anyway. It was a hasty decision. I get confused by those big menus.

Okay, so here’s what happens with the Reggie Man.

The woman closes the take-out window. Reggie is shocked! His eyes, usually tender and oh-so-cute cloud over with a demon rage. You’ve never seen such a transformation!

Reggie throws a major fit, all nine pounds of him! This is not how it is supposed to go! This is when the hamburger comes out of that window! WHERE … IS … MY… BURGER!!!

He growls and kicks his back legs on the passenger seat.

He back-hoes with a fury the likes of which I’ve never seen from him. He yips and barks and hops. It’s a wonder he doesn’t execute two chihuahuan long jumps across my lap and through the take-out window to attack the poor woman, which would add another layer of meaning to the term “take-out window.”

“Gosh, Reggie. Control yourself. You’ll get your burger.”

At long last we pull out of Carl’s Jr.

I clutch the bag of fast food between me and the door as I drive us out of Blythe.

Reggie intently watches the scenery go by.

That little devil. He’s looking for the place where we pulled over before, where he ate the other burger. There it is!

I pull off the road and park the PTV in The Correct Burger-Eating Spot According To The Reginator.

I hate to think what he’d do if I drove past it!

rvsue

THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!

When you click on any of the Amazon ads or links presented on my blog, anything you purchase at Amazon within the subsequent 24 hours earns me a commission. You do not pay anything more. Several holiday sales are in progress.

Nope!!! Missed it again!!! LOL
Loved the Regginator story!!! That is so funny that he understands the premise of the drive through. You might have lost an arm if you went by the hamburger eating spot. Gotta love that Reggie. Bridge, I am sure, was the quiet, demure lady she usually is.

Soooo, staying at Midland then? Love the Reggie post, boy when he needs his burger watch out! I hope he enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed reading about trying to get it for him..

Our weatherman says it is supposed to warm up by the end of the week, so a few more cold nights for us, how about you? At least it is dry and you don’t have to worry about flash floods. El Nino is supposed to get here in late December and January…hope you are high and dry by then..

Safe travels or warm stay, which ever happens. AND somebody feed that dog!

This morning was the coldest so far this winter. Our solution is to stay in bed longer. A few hours in the afternoon is nice… long-sleeved shirt weather. The sun feels good while sitting in the lounger. Temps in the 70s are coming in a few days.

Too funny, he has a little temper. I almost fell off my chair laughing. I used to take the girls to McD’s for ice cream so I can kind of appreciate him knowing where he was and then the nerve of that woman not giving him what he wanted. Little Miss B. is precious as always. Have you ever thought, I’m sure you have, of a carrier that you carry. Like a backpack kinda thing when she can’t be in the stroller. Interesting area you were checking. I know you’ll find something nice. Take care, be safe.

A carrier — in front or on my back — wouldn’t work with Bridget. She’s too heavy. I want her to walk whenever she’s up for it. Once I give up on that her muscles will atrophy because she doesn’t exercise by choice.

Haha – “take-out window” – very funny. I sort of wish you’d driven past the spot where you pulled over to eat; just to see what would happen this time! What was Miss B doing while Reggie was having his fit?

I had a hard time reading the second half, since I had a cat sitting 1/2 an inch from me wanting my soup! I kept telling her it was too hot. But don’t feel sorry for her; this morning she had a whole slice of turkey lunch meat fixed special for her.

I love this story! Having spent my Thanksgiving with two chihuahuas, I have a fresh understanding of the impact of their big personalities. 🙂 Love the Amazon list. You got some juicy purchases going on this time!

Reggie is smart. He amazes me. I walk him on the 20-foot tether. I walk on one side of a bush and Reggie, being preoccupied, walks on the other side. I don’t have to say, “Go around! No, go back! That way! No! The other way! The other way!” etc. Reggie looks back, sees the snag, and walks back to the bush and around. He even anticipates snags and changes course.

I laughed out loud when I started reading about Reggie and his hissyfit! Chuck jumped because I laughed so loud!
Walking around, looking for pretty rocks to tumble is something Chuck and I loved to do,while in NM! Now we have 5 big red Folgers coffee cans full of pretty rocks all polished and no idea what to do with them! Hahahahaha!
Loved seeing HRH sitting so haughty as she views her domain! Of course seeing Reggie is always fun! What an instigator he is! Hahahahaha!
Take care Sue…..oh, by the way, did I miss the clue to your new hobby???

I don’t think she is giving clues Geri. I guess we just have to wait and see what she is going to be up to… Should be fun knowing her. Hi by the way! Hope you guys are good. We are not going to make it to Florida this January, but next January, we will wave as we drive by to Crystal River! 🙂

We are no longer in Crystal River, we are across the bay from Apalachicola, in the very small town of Eastpoint! We are living in a nice RV park and are about 200 yards from the Gulf of Mexico! Nothing fancy but the view from here, the fishing and crabbing makes life great! Also, in case anyone is interested, we just had a space open up!
We would love to have you visit Shirlene! Maybe by then I will have figured out what to do with all these pretty rocks! LOL! ?

Poor reggie. He was hungry. I like where u r now. Seems like a good place. I have a new phone and have not figured it out yet. Who would have ever thought that a phone would cost so much or would be so complicated. Man I am getting to old for this.

Jean,
I hear you about the newer smart phones. They do take some time getting used to. If you are a member of REI, they have free smart-phone classes! You don’t have to buy your phone there either, just call and sign up to attend their free phone classes. You get knowledge of all the basics and the class is kinda fun with everyone else in the same boat…trying to figure it all out. 🙂

But wait a second here.
So “Boondock like you mean it” is a play on the Carl Jr’s ads? It’s all becoming clear now.

Actually I’m just surprised that there is still any regionalism left at all in this country. Seems like everything is a multi-national mega Corp and our separate regions are all homogenized. Travel on the interstate and Mississippi looks just like Idaho.

I enjoy your stories! My German Shorthair, Samantha, just knows that EVERY drive-through window that we go to means treats of some kind for her. She is getting to the point where she is ready to climb out the window as soon as I lower it. Not good! Ha ha!
Love the Reggie photos! Thanks!

I had to laugh at the take out incident. I guess you never want to come between a Reggie and his burger! He is a pistol. And I wouldn’t be a fan of the washboard road either. Making some turkey soup and a burger speaks to me, too, right now :0)
Thanks again, Sue, for your very nice blog. Always a treat. Happy trails, wherever you go.

Welll ,,, Today I had some Mencemeat Pie with Pepper Jack Cheese slices,,, then I raided the Cupord and had some Campbell’s Chunky Sausage & Pepper Rigatoni Soup with a Plain Bagel,,, And Piper after her dinner Had ” Divine Bovine”,, Holy Cow It’s Terrific” Gourmet Beef Jerky,, that I get her for being a Good girl while in town,, our last stop before making camp is Canyon Shell and that is where I get that Jerky,, and yes it’s Divine,, Piper agrees,,, You Bet cha,, WOOF WOOF,,,,,,,,,,,

Hello, Sue. I have a question for you. I am retiring next June. Last spring I sold my house and bought a 37 foot 5th wheel rv which I am currently living in. I love it! Since I am a single 59 year old woman traveling alone with my critters, other rv people keep telling me that I am “brave” to be out on my own. While it would be nice to have backup if I got into trouble somewhere, mostly I like being out on my own. What is your opinion on the subject?

Hi Chris! I’m slightly laughing inside as I am pretty sure I know Sue’s opinion (which I share). Not laughing at you – not at all! Just one of those friendly chuckles when you could imagine what someone would say.

Anyway…

What I would say is that that “oh you are so brave” line is just so OLD. I mean, if a person is truly afraid, and pushes through it, I think you could say that person is being brave due to their own feelings. But this standard “Oh you’re so brave” line just BECAUSE you are female bugs me. To me it says that you SHOULD be scared, because you are female, and therefore you are brave automatically.

Well okay, is every man out RV-ing “brave”? Maybe, if they are pushing through a fear, but I doubt every man is doing that. Some likely are. And so why should all women be the same? And why should one automatically be brave? That implies there is something across the board to be scared of for females. Argh, to me that’s like self-fulfilling conditioning.

And maybe it IS brave for anyone to go RV-ing (male or female). Heck, maybe it’s brave to get out of bed – anything could happen.

I hope this doesn’t sound too flippant. What I am reacting to is not any real fear you might have, but rather the assumption by your friends that you are female, you are on your own, you are DOING SOMETHING (besides knitting in your rocker) and therefore you MUST be brave! I disagree with that part of it.

Sounds like you are enjoying the heck out of it, and not more fearful than anyone of any gender at any random time in life, so sorry to say you are not super brave (big grin).

Hopefully this didn’t come out all wrong as I’m finding it hard to explain and not sure it’s clear. And of course I think everyone should have situational awareness at all times. That’s just part of life to me.

Ha, when I wrote that, I thought “Oh but someone will be a knitter, should I choose another example?” But I went with it since the stereotypical “non brave” woman retires and knits in her rocker (even if she would rather do something else).

But knitting by conscious choice, whether that be in or out of a rocker, is cool! A handicraft that results in wearable, useful art. Not a thing wrong with that 😀

Don’t change your comment. I enjoyed it. Besides, I used to think that I would only knit when I was really old and could not do much else. I have an etsy shop and I do love to knit, as well as other handiwork.
Thanks.

Or worse ” at your age”. How old are you anyway? Well you don’t look that old, that’s even worse “. Duh. How old is too old. I still drive. Yeah the big rig goes slower and I am extra careful and sorry for the fella behind but oh well

Okay… You’ve touched on something here, Joyce. You know what grates on my nerves? Being called “dear” by someone half my age. No stranger ever called me “dear” until I reached 60 or so. It makes me feel like I’m a dottering old remnant . . . sheesh.

Every time some sweet little thing at the store or gas station calls me “dear” or “sweetheart,” I think, “Where the hell were you 40 years ago?” Because they say “dear” or “sweetheart,” it gives me the right to say “sweet little thing,” which I realize is sexist, but they started it. 🙂

Thanks for the input! I was thinking that maybe something was wrong with me because I sure didn’t feel brave ( because I agree that in order to be brave, you have to be scared first). I am just excited about my new adventure!

Hi Sue. I am Crying over here! When the lady shut the window I can imagine Rocket Reggie’s facial expression; and then threw a hissy fit! Sue I’m happy YOU did the Right thing and found the Right spot for dinner because I can’t imagine What would have happened next!

Great post. So funny and well described! New meaning for “Take-Out Window.” Ha! If the server only knew how close Death by Chihuahua was….

My pup was rather mellow, and not chihuahua like at all, but we used to go to a drive-through bank, and they always sent a dog treat out with the receipt. One day I went through some other random (non-bank) drive through window and no treat. Oh he was crushed. Just so sad. “What did I do wrong, Mom?!” I started carrying treats in the car for those times. Those eyes were just heart-breaking otherwise!

I haven’t gone through a bank drive-through in ages. I remember the dog “biscuits” they hand out. Bridget and Spike would look at those things like “Are you kidding me? We don’t eat crap like this!” Too good for dog food! Both of them were/are soooooo fussy!

I haven’t laughed in ages as hard as I did reading what you just wrote, Sue! OMGoodness….too funny and trust my Lily, in that those bisuits are harder and more tasteless than ever. She looks at them and then tries to push them away or bury them in her blanket with her nose. Thanks for the belly laugh….it just woke Lily up.

Sue,
This post was one of the best EVER! I might have to invest in a new keyboard from the coffee spills laughing so hard!
So let’s see… You and crew go to this campground to venture around and it’s close to a prison. Next you visit the non-drinking water then leave. Uhmmmm, could Reggie-Man have taken a wiff of some kind of “controlled substance” during his brief visit there? I mean, it is so funny to read about it but also unlike his “norm”. LOL, that must be it. Reggie-Man on a “High”. they do say it gives ya an awful case of the “MUNCHIES”.
…slap!…snap out of it Reggie… 🙂

How nice that the crew had a grand time and welcome change on your road trip. I’m glad you have the option of remaining where you are as Wiley’s Well didn’t work out. The palo verde trees made it look like a nice place though. Reggie gets excited and even impatient waiting for you to cook breakfast,yet doesn’t go into a rage over it. I wonder if he thinks of a drive through as a place where you are in charge. You order them to give you food and they do. This time instead she dared to close her window. A challenge to pack leader he must defend? Who knows . He sure can be a fierce little warrior! You must have been shocked to see that within the confines of the
PTV ! I’m glad you all had a lunch to share afterwards. It’s sweet how a family meal can restore a day.

Maybe you’re on to something, weather. He certainly wasn’t going to put up with poor service! 🙂 Or he may have been extremely hungry. He’s not always hungry at breakfast time. Sometimes I pick up his plate and save it for him for later in the morning.

It’s nice when there are trees around a campsite. I don’t know what it was about Wiley’s Well that didn’t appeal to me. It wasn’t only the bad road and the distance to stores. I guess now that we’re in the desert I’m not as tolerant of campsites, side by side. And the trees were kind of creepy looking there. I don’t know what I’m saying. Just a feeling. Apparently lots of folks like Wiley’s Well. The place was almost full.

They’re here now and so is a misty rain…their calls with the sounds of waves, the scent of the pine trees and fresh air, soft sweater pulled up against the cool breeze- it’s glorious! I imagine your corner of the desert is, too, in a completely different way. Ain’t life grand? 🙂

Love this post, it was hilarious.
Angel is more apt to act like that at home. She dances all over the kitchen to get something I am cooking, It also depends on what it is, if she gets it. I also, have to remember not to put spices, etc. on some so she can have it. She is good at drive-in windows. She just sticks her nose out the back window and sniffs. If they give her a treat, she just drops it on the seat. She will no longer eat milk bones. Now, if they gave her a Greenie, she would be a happy camper. Of course, the restaurant would be bankrupt from buying them!
I think I would prefer your current camp to the Wiley Well. It looks more comfy and private.

Not really. She sometimes barks at strangers if they get too close to the car, but not everyone who approaches. Too strange! She also still barks at the cars. She seems to only do that when the weather is wet or rainy. Also strange.
Her latest thing is wanting to chase the neighborhood turkeys.
We actually saw an Egret down at our lake on Sunday morning, while on our walk. It was so majestic, standing there on the rock at the lakes edge. At least that is what I think it was. Need to look that up.
I should probably correct her more, but I just haven’t the heart. She is a dog after all and for the most part she is really good.

Best story ever – I so needed that laugh! I could just picture Reg. How smart that little dickens is! Thanks Sue. Rough holiday. Had to send one of my little four-footed children over the rainbow bridge. Story unloosened my grieving heart just a little.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes–very unexpected, touching and welcomed. It helps to remember I’m not alone and we’ve all lost pets that left a hole in our hearts. That and Reggies antics, a balm to the soul 🙂

Great suggestion. You know I always go back to the previous day’s post before I read the latest one. I’m afraid I’m going to miss something – and even though I try to keep up, I still miss some of our group news. This blog is a blast.

Great post! I really enjoyed the descriptions and humor, but Reggie’s outrage at the drive thru was priceless. I’ve inadvertently conditioned my Cocker, Xander, to associate drive thrus with ice cream cones. Oh the disdain, when they offer him a measly dog biscuit instead.

Great post…got a laugh out of Reggie and his “where’s The Beef” antics. He Is so smart and cute. You might have to blindfold him when you drive by Carl’s next time LOL
I had a Border Collie mix named Cindy for almost 18 yrs. Anytime she saw me get my makeup bag out, even just lipstick, she would start jumping up and down because she knew I was going out and did not want to be left behind.

Well I find myself in the hospital with an Infected kidney stone,
Not where I thought I’d be catching up on the antics of the crew.
Reggie has certainly helped taking my mind off myself for a few
minutes. Loved the hamburger story. We can’t make it through
a drive through without ordering an ice cream cone, & could
You please put it in a cup for our dog? You want it in a cup for a
dog ? They ALWAYS ask, like no one has ever done it before.

Keep the funny encouraging stories about the crew coming, I
really needed it this time. Stay safe & think about
A backup plan for dear Bridget & Reggie in case something
unexpected happens to you & you find yourself hospitalized on the road.

Just wanted to let you know I’m rooting for you. I’ve never had an infected kidney/stone, but I’ve had “plain” kidney stones and oh, the agony! Only time I’ve ever walked (barely) into an emergency room and BEGGED for something, anything, I don’t even care if it comes in a big fat needle. Anything just to have some relief for a few minutes (and if it lasts longer, no complaints).

PS: I don’t have a pet anymore (yet?), but it seems like every time I have a kidney stone, I’m in some crazy out of the way place/time. First one was on a small island on Christmas Day, another one I was way out in the boondocks of NC at night on a road trip, and of course one had to come along while I was camped waaaaay up a long boondocking road in the desert. Natch!

The one way I’ve “planned” for it is to have a doctor prescribe me some meds to take when I might need to (that they would typically give you at the doctor’s office if you arrived in not-too-bad shape). Luckily I have found understanding docs who “get” that I’m not going to be abusing these things (indeed, I usually have to refill due to expiry and not running out).

A lot of it is just figuring you’ll figure something out at the time. It’s so hard to plan for all of the possibilities. ‘course some thinking ahead is prudent. I guess it’s that darned “balance” thing, as usual.

I wish I could get a prescription like that. I suppose you have to suffer through an attack first.

I do have a supply of pain pills for the crew, although now it’s not as easy or safe for me to dispense. Spike and Bridget were the same weight so I could give pain pills to one that had been prescribed to the other. Can’t do that for the Reggie Man.

Nancy and Pen – I had a kidney stone attack once – away from home, had to drive myself to the ER and wait and wait and wait to be seen. The doctor I saw, when back home and the lab evaluated the stone we were able to capture, said to be sure to keep hydrated to avoid having another stone. It was agony. Second only to the gall stone pain. Get well soon, Nancy.

After I left home to go to college, my mother would always spell my name instead of pronouncing it when she wanted to talk about me. Otherwise our rat terrier would stand at the window for hours waiting for the school bus to bring me home.

Well, that little Reggie sure knows how to throw a temper tantrum! Whew!

Gracie has a complete meltdown when I vacuum the kitchen floor. I will put her in her crate, required in order to protect her and the vacuum….she will try to attack it clamp down on the beater bar. Then she will throw an absolute fit…barking, growling, throwing toys, and shaking her blanket like it is possessed by the devil. By the time I am finished, she has made quite a scene, is panting, drooling, and has to lay down from exhaustion. Even with my house all closed up, when Gracie goes in attack mode, my next door neighbor can hear her! Embarrassing…. “No, I am not poking my dog with a fork!” Terriers can be such little terrors at times! I would not trade her for the world. I ignore the fit and tell her she needs to chill and dial down the drama!

Have a good night and stay warm! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂

Go, Gracie! Aren’t terriers the greatest? I love their spunk and once they set their mind to something — like killing the vacuum cleaner — they don’t give up.

We did have a good night, thank you. It’s cold this morning! The crew is undercover. They ate breakfast and jumped back in bed and crawled under the comforter. Heating the coffee pot should keep us warm enough until the sun comes up.

Jumping back into bed to snuggle under the warm covers is always a good choice! 🙂

I love terriers – they have the big dog personality in a small package! 🙂

I may have mentioned this before…I often think of getting Gracie a little sister…she would love having a playmate and someone to blame her mischief on. However, a couple times a year I snap back into reality. Tonight after work, I take Little Miss in for her annual. She does not even need a Rabies vaccine this time….my bill will be just under $200…that is before I get a refill on her heartworm med. My best friend has said the same thing…she and her hubby have always had two dogs in the past….with one dog now, she is running into the same thing. Richmond seems to have lots of people with money (or up to their ears in debt) and I think that it is ridiculous that some vets take advantage of their location. Needless to say, I will be shopping around to find a less expensive, but good, compassionate vet. I expressed my dismay to the receptionist, who has known me over 20yrs…my first Westie was their client as well. She said that their prices are within reason “for the area”. That statement confirmed my hunch of price gouging. Oh, she also said that having a pet was a luxury that not all could afford. Wow…..that comment truly left me speechless. Stepping off of the soapbox now.

Thank you for your wishes for a wonderful day! It will be a good one despite it being chilly, rainy, gray and having to deal with work. I get to come home to Gracie pup – one of the best, loving companions ever – I am ever so lucky!! 🙂

Hope you get some nice, warm sunshine coming your way soon! Sending you and the Crew hugs from me and Gracie pup! 🙂

That makes me sick. A pet is a luxury? What a lousy attitude for anyone involved in caring for animals and for anyone aware of the need to provide homes for innocent creatures. I can understand you being shocked speechless. What a shame, after 20 years of patronage, you discover that reprehensible attitude. Money grubbers.

And now I’m going to be scolded by people for voicing my opinion.

I’m sorry Gracie has been priced out of having a roommate. I’m sure this is the reason many pet lovers have only one when they have room in their heart, their home, and their lives for another. And why some have no pet at all. 🙁

Thanks for sharing this, Denise. I hope you can find a reasonable vet’s office in Richmond.

I would go without to make sure Gracie had what she needed. My previous pup had many serious health issues the last 7 yrs of her life due to the abuse of my ex-husband. She was on meds that cost $250/mo. I did without many things to make sure she had what she needed. I was thankful that I could find my way to do what had to be done to keep my loving companion comfortable.

I am a glass is half full kinda gal….even when things suck. So….a terror-mate, ahem…roommate might be a possibility in the future if/when I downsize to a smaller home. Until then….when Gracie gets scolded, she looks over her shoulder as if to blame it on her sister. It is funny, my previous little girl Westie did the same thing! Ha!

I never thought for a second you wouldn’t do everything possible to provide what your pet needed. Your devotion to Gracie comes through every comment you make. That’s why you hesitate to bring another pet home until you’re sure you can meet the commitment.

Oh, Sue, I was not directing my comment “at” you. Sorry if it came across that way. I should have been more specific. The receptionist knew my previous pup’s history, which made her comment really come off cold to me.

While a pet being a luxury may be technically true, the same logic can be applied to children and nobody would dare say such a thing to a parent. The vet assistant needs her values readjusted.
I don’t know where you are at in Richmond, but I know there are areas that are not so pricey. I am somewhat familiar with Highland Springs and know it is a working class neighborhood.

The “well pets are a luxury” comment was not very well considered, to my mind. However I have never begrudged the vet their fee (even when I was broke) because they do go through medical school just like people doctors, and that costs a lot. (And so far, they have always cost less then people doctors.)

Until I sat down and talked about it with my vet (who became a friend), I hadn’t realized how much (expensive, years-consuming) training they had to go through.

And I am in complete agreement on that. The attitude and statement that pets are a luxury was uncalled for. The receptionist should be professional and refrain from making that type of comment (even if that is the receptionist’s personal opinion).

I’d feel about the same way if I were buying ice cream at the store and the checkout clerk asked if I really thought I needed it, at my weight. Jeez-O-Pete!

I’m a Pomeranian person, myself. But I love terriers. Daughter had a Jack Russell(Sammy) for 13 wonderful years before he went over the Rainbow Bridge. She now has an Irish Terrier which I find even more enchanting! Love your blog! Pat K

Reggie does have a short fuse when he doesn’t get his way. I guess when that window closed he thought he wouldn’t be getting his burger at all that day. Maybe now he knows that when the take out window closes, it WILL open again.

Thank you Sue! You made me laugh out loud this morning! Always a good thing! And as you share your fast food adventures you remind us of something you can only know if you travel (or if someone tells you)……fast food places’ menus change with the regions they serve. Down to the soft drinks. It’s part of the fun! 🙂 Your lunch sounded yummy and I’m glad there was no one parked in Reggie’s spot! Have a great day and thanks again for the laugh!

Good grief, woman! You are certainly in great form with this post. Had me sputtering coffee with my laughter at this one. What a great way to enjoy my first cup of the day.

A tad chilly this morning, wouldn’t you say? The second night in a row that the temp dipped to freezing (and below) at my house. One more night is predicted before we get out of the freezing range. Days are sunny and bright but the air remains quite cool. Hoping to get out of the 50’s today. I’m certain the weather is similar on “your” desert.

Happy post turkey eating days. Little Reggie is a kick. His attitude about his hamburger or rotisserie chicken is “hey, I don’t take up much room, I have a very small tummy but when I am hungry……………………Dammit, feed me!!! He sure is big in a lot of hearts for such a little guy. Missy, I wonder how many fools don’t read the sign at the dump station water not being good to drink? I’m betting some have. Riding along with you guys!!

Good morning, Jim! I don’t know if anyone drinks that water. I do know I don’t drink water out of a spigot located at any dump station, whether is says potable or not. I may put it in the fresh water tank and use it to flush the toilet and clean. Too risky to drink!

I did see your responses, Sue, and several others contributed, too. I found all the info quite useful and am leaning toward getting a Wave 3 for my Scamp so I stay comfy warm on mornings such as this. I’m seeing several mods before I take off on my 2016 adventure. Thanks for asking if I caught your reply.

That story of Reggie having a fit at the fast food place is so funny! I’ve never had a small breed dog, always had “dawgs” of good size. Was thinking it would really be a trip to see a rottweiler having the same kind of fit little Reggie did. Of course, Bridget was a lady all the time this drama was occurring.

I had a half lab, half border collie a few years back who was just the most wonderful pet ever. He was my best friend. My sister took him to the vet for me once when I was too weak to get out of bed with pneumonia. I didn’t want him to miss his appointment so she stepped in and, as a treat, stopped by the fast food place afterwards. The drive through line was long so she parked and went in. When she came out there was a commotion and it turns out he jumped from the car (window down) and he was standing at the drive-thru with his paws on the window, tail-wagging, and the lady behind the counter was letting him lick a small vanilla cone! None of the people in line honked their horns or got upset; they were all entertained. He sure knew how to charm, but my poor sister, who’s not the biggest dog person, was mortified.

What an enjoyable and funny story!!! I can just see him. Pets are so smart.
OK:::::: Something to share and friends, well they are just not on board sometimes. I finally got an RV!!!! My very first and so excited,nervous you name it. Not full time but other than a few short trips around some campsites here in mid florida (very pretty) I DO plan to take off late spring and go all across this gorgeous country. It’s a 22 ft minnie winnie, manageable for me to drive and so pretty! (not new) but like new so well cared for . To have my own kitchen with double sinks, big frige and separate freezer a nice bathroom and shower and my own big bed is just perfect. Very hard to find in these smaller coaches. You can understand my excitement I’m sure. Keep on blogging, I read and absorb every word Sue. I love your descriptions from the roads to the stores and of course your doggies. Hope my cat is as thrilled. lol. I ordered a large easy to put up cat screen room for under the awning on nice days. I am just so tickled! Can’t wait. 🙂 So much to learn. I don’t know if you can put pics here. Oh well.

Oh, I for one am so excited for you!!!! My plans are to have one in the next three years – and just that size and type – YAY!!!! That’s just so marvelous. Did you get the rear corner bed? Glad you didn’t keep this to yourself. Just pushes me to work harder 🙂

I wish you could post a photo here, but there isn’t any way. If you can find the same or similar model on the internet, you could place a link in a comment. I’m sure plenty of blogorinos would love to see it. At 22 feet you won’t be too big for most campgrounds and it will be easy to maneuver.

I’m very happy for you! As for the friends “not on board,” they’ll think differently next summer as you cruise around the country. 🙂

Congratulations, Gal n a cat (n a hat 😀 ). I can hear your enthusiasm for your new-to-you Minnie Winnie. And of course we all want to SEE it (but just hearing about it is great too). Does it have a cab-over bed? If so I bet your cat will love it (not to mention sunbeams coming in the various windows).

The worst comment I hear is said in a voice dripping with amazement: “All by YOURSELF?”. As if I need permission or a chaperone. And strangely, I get that more from women than from men.

FYI, I am 72 years old and have been full-timing for 3.5 years, just a year less than RVSue. I live a little differently because I am still teaching college classes online so I need a lot of reliable internet every night, so I tend to stay in state parks, Corps of Engineer campgrounds, and national parks. (I also do like my TV.) But I have driven 70,000 miles since I left my “rocking chair.”

I have met up with a lot of RVing ladies, and the other comment we get from our kids when they find out we are not only talking to strangers, but actually going out to dinner and shopping with them, is “How do you know one of them is not an ax murderer?”

And in all the time I have been traveling, no one has bothered me or been anything but friendly and helpful. SO no need for a gun or a big dog or pepper spray or any other weapons.

It is true that I hear it more from other women than men. One woman was amazed that I could hook up my 5th wheel all by my lonesome, without any help from anybody. I hadn’t realized that rv’ing was a team sport. But I am a newbie and am still learning.

Hi, Judy –
Good for you! It is always inspiring to hear of “mature” women adventuring around our beautiful country. I am just a couple of years younger than you and hope to be full-timing by next summer – waiting for my lease to end. I am always thinking and planning and reading blogs about full time RVing. It has become my new part time job :0) Love to camp. Happy Trails to you.
Pamela

Wow, great news! I’m so glad for you. You’ve toughed it out there long enough and then some.Will you drive with the six fur kids in crates and towing a travel trailer or don’t you know yet? However it works out I’m sure you’ll be happy to be back west. It’s been fun thinking of you as another NY lake blogorino yet I’d much rather picture you in Arizona than with a roof rake!

Not snowbirds, Zonies. Snowbirds only come out in the winter. Since you are full time residents you are Zonies. But some say you aren’t a Zonie until you spend a summer there. But still, welcome to the neighborhood.

Good to hear from others who are not of the younger generation and especially ladies getting out there. It has sure inspired me! While not ready for full time yet. I may change my time after my big trip. Someone told me if I went to the Oregon coast and forests I would not want to come back! We shall see. Congrats to others who are seeing their dream or getting closer.
Yes cab over the old cat will probably like. Have to figure a way up there first! The more blogs I read the more I realize how many people travel with multi cats. Amazing.

I think that’s a great way to do it: You have your house, you can put just what you want into the RV and head out. If shorter trips suit you, just come back to home base until the next one. OTOH, if you find you just want to keep going, you can do something else with the house (sell, etc.).

There is only one potential “problem.” I mention this one somewhat ruefully as it applies to me. I headed out similarly (leaving “home stuff” behind in a rented space) and now I don’t want to go back! Yet I’m going to have to at some point just to deal with that stuff. East of the Rockies…. the horror 😉 😉 😉

(No, I know there are wonderful things in the Midwest and back East; it’s just that I love being in the West, and it’s a long way back for a “chore.”)

You make a good point, Pen. It is a big decision, when going full-time, whether to make a “clean break” or to keep part of the old life. I was fortunate in that I knew without a doubt that I didn’t want to keep my house and I wouldn’t want to return to Georgia. Renting a storage shed seemed like a tether. Each person needs to find what’s the right thing to do.

Of course in hindsight, I wish I had done that! But at the time there were reasons why I wasn’t sure (still, now, I have to go back… ugh! Summer is hot and muggy, winter is cold, etc. Plus, what a haul of a drive…)

Hello to Al and I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We took a whirlwind trip to Tenn. via Birmingham AL to see my spouses brother and family. We left LA on Sat. morning when it was 68 degrees and by the time we got to East Texas it was 45!! Winter, such as it is, is now in Texas! I sympathize with the big vet bills. When we “picked up” our dog 4 years ago I knew he would need everything done-neutering, heart worm check, pills, chipping, shots, etc. This would have cost probably close to a thousand out here in ruralville. My sister and I took him into Houston to a place called SpayNeuter Corp. A very clean, professional facility. I was impressed! We dropped him off, went shopping, and came back at 3 to pick him up. I paid about 200.00 for the works. My cat is indoor and I quit giving her shots and stuff years ago-it would be hard to afford bills for both a cat and a dog! I think Vets are squeezed just like medical doctors are. But, 10.00 to clip a dogs toe nails??
I enjoyed and laughed out loud at your post! Reggie is a scream!

Speaking of pets: Being in the veterinary field nearly all my life (and I am OLD) lol, I hate to hear of people being ripped. Not to go into detail as so many different people here to possibly offend, there is tons of stuff online about what pets actually need. You might want to google Dr Jean Dodds, Ronald Shultz, people who are top researchers in the field and read all you can. Yearly shots went out long ago. And you will also see the *reason* vets still want to do it. People with pets tend to blindly go and do whatever is said because they want the best for fido or fluffy, but there is a lot more to it. I will just leave it at that and let you read all the backed up articles on are we vaccinating our pets too much. Make it your business to do research. Nuff said there. Hug all your precious babies. They are such wonderful companions.

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Meet the canine crew!

Roger (left) and Reggie (right)

What is the BLT?

The BLT is what I consider the Best Little Trailer, a 2011 17-foot Casita Liberty Deluxe which is the full-time home for me and my crew.

What is the PTV?

The PTV is the Perfect Tow Vehicle. It's a 2005 Chevy Express Van with a V-8, 5.3 liter engine and equipped with a 200-watt solar panel on the roof and two AGM batteries inside.

What is a blogorino?

A blogorino is a reader who opens up the comment section of this blog and writes a message. Blogorinos are kind and friendly and fun to know!